Accessible only by air and rail, Churchill, Manitoba, internationally known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, is located on the shores of Hudson Bay. The area is home to a myriad of wildlife from majestic and massive polar bears, caribou, red and arctic fox, moose and wolves. Tundra and taiga provide habitat for many native birds, including a variety of hawks and falcons like the Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon. Snowy Owls are common, as are Tundra Swans, terns and gulls. Avid birders search for Harlequin Ducks and the rare Ross’s Gull for the potential sighting of a lifetime.

But there is more that will amaze you! During the months of July & August, the Churchill River is teeming with several thousand beluga whales who migrate into the warm shallow waters to give birth and feed on small fish. Known as "Canaries of the Sea", for their chirps and whistles, these friendly and inquisitive creatures will capture your heart as you enjoy their whale song by boat, zodiac, kayak, or - for the more adventurous -by joining them in the water for a snorkeling adventure!

Grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure and love of all things wild and join Mary J. Gettenand Gayle Lawrence for an Artic summer wildlife experience like no place else on earth!

Video: John Dickinson Photo credits: Bobbi Dickinson

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 July 23, 2017 – Depart your home city to Winnipeg, ManitobaTransfer to The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel or similar.Overnight in Winnipeg.Day 2 July 24 – Domestic flight from Winnipeg to Churchill.This morning board your flight to Churchill. Upon arrival enjoy a Town and Area Tour that will give you a brief but thorough introduction to the community, local culture and its historical treasures including: Cape Merry, Miss Piggy, the Polar Bear jail and the Churchill Northern Studies Centre & all the Wildlife that comes with it. Walking is required to experience some sites. Overnight at the Polar Inn, our home base for 5 nights - continental breakfast included each morning

Day 3 July 25 – Estuary tour Beluga Whales and polar bearsOnly in Churchill can you get this up close and personal with the captivating Beluga Whales as we go whale watching into the mouth of the Churchill River. Here you will have the chance to encounter hundreds of beluga whales as we also keep an eye out for polar bears on the rocky shoreline or perhaps taking a swim to cool off.For the more adventurous sign up for a snorkeling experience with beluga whales (Cost: $175.00 USD) all equipment and wet suits included

"Reservations must be made in advance to confirm availability"

For the less adventurous, spend the afternoon at "Wapusk Adventures"with a local dog sledding expert (Cost: $76.00 USD per person - minimum of 5 at this price). Tour the kennels then head out for a ride on a summer sled through the Boreal forest. Overnight Polar Inn

Day 4 July 26 – Getting to Know Polar BearsToday you will enjoy an exciting land excursion in a Tundra Buggy - the best way to get out into the wild to see polar bears in their natural habitat and other wildlife! Safe and snug in a cozy buggy you’ll be ready for a personal encounter with a wild polar bear.This afternoon explore town on your own. Visit the Eskimo Museum and the Parks Canada Visitor Center. Overnight Polar Inn

Day 5 July 27 – Estuary tour beluga's and polar bearsThis morning will be especially exciting as you board a Zodiac for a surface-level encounter with the belugas. You are sure to have an incredible experience as you take these boats into the beluga estuary.Hopefully we'll also see polar bears hanging out on the coastline rocks.Overnight Polar InnDay 6 July 28 – As the tides permit we'll have an opportunity to kayak with the beluga whales. Kayaking has you sitting right on top of the water with the beluga's who are very playful and curious No previous kayak experience is necessary so beginners join in the fun.Overnight Polar InnDay 7 July 29 - flight from Churchill to WinnipegReturn flight will be scheduled for mid- to late afternoon to allow time to pick up last-minute native handicrafts and souvenirs. Or if time permits take an optional helicopter tour over the tundra to spot belugas or polar bears from the air with "Hudson Bay Helicopters" (Cost: 1 hour flight, $423.00 USD per person - minimum of 3 at this price)Overnight Grand Winnipeg Hotel or similarDay 8 July 30 - Depart Winnipeg to your home city

NOTE: Tours are scheduled around High or Low tides and times change daily. What days we do what tours and whether morning or afternoon will be determined by the tide schedule. All tours are dependent on water and weather conditions as the water levels change.Viewing Wildlife: As these are wild animals and encounters and sightings are on their schedule not ours, we cannot make guarantees on what wildlife or frequency of sightings you will have.

Tour cost per person: $2,549.00 USDTrip cost based on a group of 16 guests in double room Single supplement: $410.00

Price in USD is guaranteed unless the USD / CD exchange ratedrops 5% or more by the final payment deadline.